Planktonic Diatom (Bacillariophyta) Composition of Lake Kaz (Pazar, Tokat)

Authors: ESRA ZAİM

Abstract: The composition, density, and seasonal variations of the planktonic diatoms of Lake Kaz were studied using samples taken from the surface and 1.0 m depths between May 2005 and April 2006. Some physical and chemical properties of the lake water were also determined. Planktonic algae communities were identified, with 143 belonging to Bacillariophyta. Aulocoseira granulata, Aulocoseira italica, Cocconeis placentula, Cocconeis placentula var. euglypta, Cyclotella meneghiniana, Navicula radiosa, and Synedra ulna from the Bacillariophtya were dominant. Seasonal variations in the planktonic flora were observed during that period. According to the chemical and physical analyses performed, the lake has low alkali soft water. The level of pollution is not very important, but if precautions are not taken the lake will become polluted, and, as a result, it will turn into a swamp.

Keywords: Planktonic diatoms, Lake Kaz, seasonal variations

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